And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon), and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!" 15 And [in this insight] Solomon was [truly] David's heir; and he would say: "O you people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and have been given [in abundance] of all [good] things: this, behold, is indeed a manifest favour [from God]!" 16 And his hosts of the jinn and the men and the birds were gathered to him, and they were formed into groups. 17 till, when they came on the Valley of Ants, an ant said, 'Ants, enter your dwelling-places, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, being unaware!' 18 Solomon smiled broadly at its words and said, "Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; and include me, by Your grace, among Your righteous servants!" 19 And he reviewed the birds, then said: How is it I see not the hoopoe or is it that he is of the absentees? 20 I will most certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or kill him, or he shall bring to me a clear plea. 21 But he tarried not long, and said, 'I have comprehended that which thou hast not comprehended, and I have come from Sheba to thee with a sure tiding. 22 I found a woman reigning over them, and she has been favoured with everything; and she has a throne that is magnificent. 23 I found that she and her people worship the sun in place of God, for Satan has made their deeds look attractive to them and has turned them away from the Path, so they do not find the way 24 "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. 25 Allah, there is no god but He: He is the Lord of mighty power. ۩ 26 ۞ Solomon said, "We shall soon see whether you have spoken the truth, or whether you are a liar. 27 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then return and see what their reply will be." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said to her officials, "A gracious letter has been dropped before me. 29 Lo! it is from Solomon, and lo! it is: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; 30 Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender. 31